Protest march's simple message: No

The hikoi moved slowly up Auckland's Queen Street yesterday on its two-week trip from Cape Reinga to Wellington. Photo / Doug Sherring

It was just two words, but the message on 14-year-old Phoebe Millwood's banner matched the sentiments of thousands as they marched through central Auckland yesterday to protest the Government's planned asset sales.

An estimated 3000 people joined politicians, unionists and community leaders in the Aotearoa Is Not For Sale hikoi, which passed through Auckland on its two-week journey from Cape Reinga to Wellington.

Among them was Phoebe and her friend Gloria Strawhan, 13, who carried a banner with the words "Just No" scrawled across it.

It was the overriding message of protesters as they walked up Queen St from Britomart to Aotea Square.